Solar Energy

I live in a home with Zero Utility Costs.  Sounds too good to be true?  Well, if not for the Solar Photovoltaic Array on our roof and some other smart changes, it would not be possible.  But getting there wasn’t easy, and it wasn’t simple.

Back in 2005 I was concerned with the rising cost of utilities.  You may be too if you are reading this article.  Here in New Jersey, when I charted it for the past 5 years, it averages out to 1% increase per month in overall electricity cost.  If you think that sounds different than what the politicians and utility company tells you, you are right.  But when I looked at the total bill, and what I received for it, that was true.  There are a lot of additional fees, surchages, and ’service or delivery charges’ that just show up on the bill.  Fortunately for us, we found a way to deal with this issue.

We did it in two steps:

• conservation of electricity or decreased consumption, and

• alternate energy installation, or in our case Photovoltaic Solar Energy and a wood-burning stove nestled into our fireplace

I will take some time in this article to explain the top things to avoid for solar energy installation so that you can evaluate whether solar energy is right for you.  The good news is just conserving electricity may be enough to help you in the short term.

The three biggest mistakes about moving to a Solar Energy array in your home or business are:

1. No conservation efforts on your electricity consumption first and establishing that savings up front.  Otherwise some of that solar electricity is wasted when it could be making you money.
2. Avoiding detailed analysis on the consumption of electricity around your house.  Otherwise you wind up with the wrong size solar energy system.
3. Doing simple financial payback calculations instead of through fiscal modeling.  Every one of the installers who quoted me had this very wrong.  Some were very conservative to be fair, but others made some large mistakes on the financial calculations.

With our photovoltaic solar energy system, we hit all our milestones for savings ahead of schedule because of working the items listed in 1 & 2.  And of course we are now utility-bill free because of item #3.  Now let’s explore each of the three mistakes further.

Mistake #1 -No conservation efforts on your electricity consumption

Everything about installing solar energy installation benefits from eliminating all wasted electricity.  It is absolutely critical to do as much conservation as possible and as much as you feel comfortable doing and then establishing those savings up front.  The savings help determine what type of consumption savings alternatives makes sense to do and how long the payback or cost recovery will take.   This includes swapping out costly halogen exterior lights for compact fluorescent bulbs and the same for the interior lights.  Timers on lights that can get left on will also make a big difference.  Old, inefficient appliances can be costing you large amounts of money in wasted electricity. Otherwise some of that solar electricity is wasted when it could be making you money.  We were able to successfully reduce our electricity consumption by over 25%.  Key items were investigating the appliances, compact fluorescent lighting or CFLs, and using timers.  We also modfied the setback programs on our HVAC systems to provide cooling during very limited times of the day, only when needed most.  We identified a lot of places where cooled air was escaping into the attic, basement, garage and outside.  We essentially inventoried the entire house for everythign connected to a wall outlet or wired internally to the AC breaker box.  We then questioned all of it, and challenged whether we could simply unplug each item.

Mistake #2 - Avoiding detailed analysis on your consumption of electricity

Otherwise you wind up with the wrong size solar energy system.  It is important if you live in an area with varied heating and cooling seasons to have a seasonal model.  This is most of North America so these efforts should be explored by most readers.  By creating a good seasonal consumption model, you can identify exactly how large your energy needs are, and whether the conservation efforts from avoiding mistake #1 will apply, and in which seasons.  We developed a full seasonal consumption model, and listed for each appliance whether their usage would change by the season.  We then applied our conservation efforts and measured the results against the expected values to see whether we were on-track or off-track!  We successfully conserved through the peak 7 months of consumption, and knew we had made real progress.  We also were able to partially scale back our solar energy array size, saving thousands of dollars over a larger system under consideration.  Lastly, by knowing how much we would be conserving, more electricity was produced and sold back to the utility grid.  This provided us with hundreds of dollars more each year from Solar Renewable Energy Credits or SRECs.

Mistake #3 - Doing simple financial payback calculations

Instead of through fiscal modeling, simple calculations provide may provide very misleading suggestions.  Every one of the installers who quoted me had this very wrong.  Some were very conservative to be fair, but others made some large mistakes on the financial calculations.

A detailed financial payback model should include your initial outlay or deposit.  The financing costs should be included in the payback calculations, making note of any finance fees and interest costs.  Savings on your electric bills should be made on a seasonal or annual basis and included in the model.  Special notes should be made on expected maintenance costs, including DC to AC inverter replacements every 5 to 7 years. The payback model should be useful to predict what your future with the conservation efforts will look like.  It is recommended that you give this model a try for a portion of the year to see how well the model predicted how much you would save with energy conservation and if it actually came true before investing in a Photovoltaic Solar Array.

Finally, the payback model should include any income from the Solar renewable energy Credits or SRECs.  The model should be able to show your expected  electric utility bills for the next 12 to 48 months and possibly longer.  The model should be given to you by any reputable installer, so that you can do some of your own “What-If” scenarios with the payback parameter assumptions.

Summary:

The three biggest mistakes we covered in moving to a Solar Energy array in your home or business are:

1. No conservation efforts on your electricity consumption first and establishing that savings up front.  Otherwise some of that solar electricity is wasted when it could be making you money.
2. Avoiding detailed analysis on the consumption of electricity around your house.  Otherwise you wind up with the wrong size solar energy system.
3. Doing simple financial payback calculations instead of through fiscal modeling.  Every one of the installers who quoted me had this very wrong.  Some were very conservative to be fair, but others made some large mistakes on the financial calculations.

While we have focused on the top three mistakes, there are plenty of others!  Read all you can, talk to people who have already done it, and ask them what they liked and what they would do differently.

find out more by visiting us:

http://www.solar4biz.com

http://www.lowermybillsnj.com

Joe Ficalora
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/the-top-3-mistakes-to-avoid-when-going-solar-or-installing-solar-energy-1249083.html

With the rising energy costs and effects of global warming so prevalent today, many people are wondering if there is truth to the concept of renewable energy technology. There also appears to be confusion between alternative energy technology and renewable energy technology. Alternative energy encompasses all renewable energy sources, but includes things like nuclear power and energy from municipal waste. These are carbonaceous examples. Renewable energy technology focuses on energy that is replaced as it is being used, such as solar energy and wind energy.

With that clear, are there truly benefits on a home or small business level to renewable solar technology? Absolutely. Truthfully, by utilizing renewable energy technology on a home level you can save yourself thousands of dollars each year. Renewable energy technology has gained popularity in recent years and it has become increasingly easy to meet your home’s energy needs with just a little handyman work. With the information available about renewable energy technology, it is possible to build renewable energy products, such as a windmill or solar panel, on your own. Do-it-yourselfers are saving huge amounts of pocket change by building and installing these systems themselves. If you have the money to invest in a commercial professionally installed system, in general these are more efficient, however, savings can still be realized, and at a much faster rate, by researching and building your own renewable energy systems.

Renewable energy technology is advancing with each day. Solar electrical systems have advanced from giant roof panels to thin layers of film that are twice as conductive and work with less sunlight. There are now solar powered charges for cell phones, batteries and other small household items. Windmills have been made more aerodynamic for greater action and electricity generation. Renewable energy technology can even be seen along today’s highways as small solar/wind operation stations powering signs and lights.

Many homeowners today are looking into integrating green energy sources for developing more energy efficient homes and businesses. A green energy source is power generated through renewable resources, such as the sun, wind and water. The other benefit of green energy sources is their low contribution to global warming, pollution and other environmental issues.

The most popular of green energy sources is the sun. Energy captured from the sun is called solar energy. Of the green energy sources, solar energy is the most popular because it offers multiple options for use. It is possible to harness electrical energy from the sun using solar panels consisting of photovoltaic cells that convert energy from the sun into electricity you can use in your home or business. There are also solar hot water collectors that use the heat of the sun to produce hot water. These solar green energy sources are readily available and increasing in popularity as most homes and businesses can have them mounted on their roof and they can take advantage of lowered utility costs.

The most efficient of green energy sources is wind. Wind has been used to power water pumps for centuries, but has grown in popularity as a way to supplement home and business electricity needs. Wind is the safest and cleanest of the green energy sources as it produces no pollutants and does not contribute to global warming. Wind energy is harnessed by erecting a turbine that spins in the breeze generating electricity. Unlike the sun, which can be found almost anywhere, in order to utilize wind as a green energy source, you must live in an area where wind is readily available.

Water is also a viable participant of green energy sources. Water is less widely used as a green energy source for homes, as not all homes have an available stream to produce the needed electricity. The Amish have used water to power entire shops using conveyer belt systems, so it is an old practice, but it is still being used successfully today. As with solar and wind energy, energy harnessed from moving water is almost completely pollutant free and is generated from a renewable resource.

Corrado Vinci
http://www.articlesbase.com/home-improvement-articles/is-renewable-energy-technology-really-available-to-homeowners-693684.html

You would not believe how fast you can produce your own in-house power supply by using this ingenious Build Solar Power House “system. It may seem surprising, but this method can be easily copied and used for virtually unlimited application possibilities. Take two minutes of your time to hear in order to learn more about this revolutionary technology.

Get Best Make Solar Panel and Make Wind Turbine Guide

Quick Introduction

Mounting such a “Build Solar Power House” system has no particular technical knowledge - just requires a “best follow a need-to-work” guide that teaches how to solar panels. Take your time when choosing a guide, check for real customer case studies to ensure that the descriptive illustrations, photographs and technical support. Are in every case, here are some important benefits and tips to help you know a little more on this topic.

Benefits

Now that we have the idea, let’s see what is in it for us:

* Uses natural and clean resources.

* Helps our people on less and less dependent on foreign oil suppliers.

* Increases the value of your home by thousands.

* When using as much energy as needed, without worrying about the elec. Meters.

Leaves us * almost independent of a possible energy crisis.

Tip

Remove any objects / obstacles that your device shadow, you want to get maximum sunlight for max. Efficiency.

Abstract

If you really want to cut your choice. Expenses 80% no question that Build Solar Power House “system one of these solutions, which should be seriously considered. Without question - there are many other benefits that this remarkable “machine” intended, because it brings a real change in this industry. It is recommended to evaluate it and see how it only takes a few days, you’re starting from its advantages.

Get Best Make Solar Panel and Make Wind Turbine Guide

Wally

solar panels in Australia are being used extensively both at homes and non-residential buildings. Like anything else, solar panels have their own gains and disadvantages. The gains are plenty, and the foremost one is your growing into your own energy provider. There are no more tensions from the utility companies, and you might well be safe from the daily-increasing and mounting electricity costs. Moreover, you are absolutely far away from any tension of maintenance, which is an amazing fact.

The long-lasting nature also supports your cause, besides giving out obvious environmental gains. By getting along this way, the consumption of fossil fuels gets slashed down for a longer part, and greenhouse gas emissions are thus controlled.

You can get a small solar electricity system; Just contact a good solar company in Australia and get benefitted in a grand way. The initial cost is the only worry with it, as the installation of a solar power system may touch tens of thousands of dollars. However, solar rebate in the picture is a great relief effective for growing solar panel sales. This creates more choices and decreasing prices.

Solar installers would charge that much is not easy to consume and seem daunting, and might force you to leave the idea behind. Having solar panels in Australia would not be that daunting, as you will get various government programs to make up for the cost. But you can’t avoid having these panels, as the rising rates of the solar panels in Australia would seem fairly less in comparison to the growing rates of electricity cost. Thus, you know what your choice would be.

Australia is seeing enhanced demand and so the rise of solar company, using advance technology. Now we tend to see lots of types in solar panels, and some look fairly pleasing. Modern panels are installed into homes for serving more purpose than they were initially meant for. After all, the technology has taken a drastic change, and so has your tastes. Depending on your need, solar panels can be picked.

Monocrystalline, polycrystalline and amorphous are some of the types of solar panels in Australia, which are bought about according to the need. They all work in the same way, but just have difference in efficiency. The power you need, the space you have and the location will all decide what your choice would be for solar panels.

Smit Mathur
http://www.articlesbase.com/technology-articles/reduce-your-energy-dependency-and-cut-cost-with-solar-panels-682749.html

Solar and Wind Energy

The first matter you need to do to get off the control grid is to rid yourself of dependence along electrical energy from your power company. The most common style to do indeed is away practicing the sunlight and the winding to provide your power. Incomplete conception is new, but more citizenry are turning to these constant powerfulness origins to help commencement or replace their reliance connected electrical energy fuelled aside essential coal. You can learn latest detail virtually solar and wind energy in it. How Solar Cells Process and How Wind Power Works — but we’ll explain the general conception

Installing solar  ways non getting disfigured powerfulness lines guided to your place.Residential houses that apply solar power typically make photovoltaic  solar panels located on the roof or near the house. These impanels contain cubicles made working of silicon semiconductor devices. When the sun’s light affects the impanel, these semiconductor devices accumulate the vitality and knocking negatron clear so they fire course freely. An electric subject modern the impanel then requires these electrons and forces them to rate of flow modern identical focus, producing an electric direct current. The Direct current  is early passed complete an inverter that merely exchanges this Direct Current into the alternating latest  that your home uses. Wind power works successful a similar fashion. As typical residential wind turbine aspects like an airplane propellor static a height a 50 to 120-foot pillar. When the winding blows, the blades starting running and reel a screw that leads from the hub of the rotor to As generator. The generator takes the energy produced from the rotation and works it into electricity. Alike solar cells, the energy created by winding turbines is converted into usable AC powerfulness with an inverter.

Winding turbine

This wind turbine supplementations the power supply of a house in all over now latest world getting fast modern mean solar day by 24-hour interval. Many Another individuals couple their solar and wind vitality with traditional power to produce As hybrid system that impart edit their bills. Latest these cases, the vitality produced is stored by the alternative accompany.

If the energy you raise is larger than your intake, 40 countries actually appropriate you to sell your electricity support to the common company. However, to work off the power grid, you need to swing associations with the powerfulness accompany entirely. Latest this case, the energy you produce is stacked away latest a organization of batteries every bit DC powerfulness and converted to AC power as you motivation it. The battery system is typically placed up-to-date a service department or thrown most the power source. Winding powerfulness is the finest and cheapest energy applied science in the world-wide. The popular costed per kilowatt 60 minutes for coal-burning electrical energy was 10.4 cents in 2006. Winding energy can equal generated for a inadequate three pennies per 60 minutes productive optimum circumstances. Add to this that in that respect are no more greenhouse discharges developed, and it’s no more wonder that wind powerfulness is developing so fast.

CLICK HERE TO TO GET FREE ENERGY NOW   www.solarandwindenergy.com

suresh Gowrugolla
http://www.articlesbase.com/diy-articles/reduce-electrical-bills-by-using-solar-ans-wind-energy-1010996.html

In the present era the efforts to prevent earth are going on a war scale. It is undeniable that the entire world is facing the threat of environmental crises. The situation will become more adverse in the upcoming years. Some of the major problems are not confined to a particular country or continent but on a global scale. These major problems include global warming, ozone layer depletion and exhaustion of energy resources.

When it is about matching-up with the energy needs of global industries and the demand of every household then we are highly depended on non-renewable sources of energy. It is a kind of deliberation which is leading us towards an unsecured future.

Although non conventional (renewable) sources of energy are emerging as an adequate option for the traditional sources of energy but still there are lot many things to do so that their application can be expanded to a large scale.

To tackle out the problem on a global level it is significant that the renewable sources of energy can be accepted and admired by every individual. It is essential that the worth of these lately discovered sources should be understand by everyone in every part of the world and for that internet can be an exceptional source.

There are a large number of sites available on the internet which have proven themselves to be the marketplace for environmental technologies. You can look for one such site where one can register and avail all kinds of information, recent changes, initiatives been taken throughout the world, etc.

When it is about the non traditional sources of energy then renewable energy solar wind has its own prominent place. Researchers have seen enough potential in renewable energy solar wind to meet the future needs of mankind.

There are some of the sites available on the net which are highly recognized as the websites for renewable technologies. One such site on the internet which you can look for renewable energy solar wind technologies is Enerlix.

Enerlix is a site which is highly renowned online for information, trading and communication on environmental technologies. It is the marketplace for hydrogen, fuel cells, and renewable energies. Enerlix was once recognized by the name of Energyportal24.

Why Enerlix?

It is because of the following reasons.

Ø      Wide collection of information: besides renewable energy solar wind technology, one can also avail information about fuel cells, bio energy, hydrogen, wind power, hydropower, geothermal, cogeneration unit, energy savings, etc.

Ø      Ease of navigation:   Enerlix is a site which is highly friendly to the user. One can easily navigate the entire structure of the site (including all the sections) in no time. You are just required to register for free and you can avail all kinds of features offered by this site.

Ø      B2B marketplace: Enerlix is an international business to business (B2B) marketplace for environmental technologies. The content area of environmental technologies also includes renewable energy solar wind technology.

Ø      Exclusive services for free! There are free tools available including efficiency calculator, reference books, eco-energy calculator, etc. In the reading section there are press releases, articles, reports to enhance your knowledge. With publishing events you can submit new worldwide events including congresses and fair trade.

Vikram Kumar
http://www.articlesbase.com/business-articles/look-for-enerlix-for-views-on-sustainable-renewable-energy-solar-wind-technology-694435.html

The first thing that comes to the mind when we talk of solar generators is cost. But with the advance of science and technology, it has now become very easy to build your own solar generator.

This means that you do not have to get caught up in the dark any more. You can simply buy a few simple parts and use them to build your own solar generator.

All you need for this is a solar panel, batteries, batteries box, DC input model, inverter if you want to change the current to AC and some insulated wire.

The first thing that you have to buy for this to work is a 12V or higher voltage solar panel. While this may cost a little around $100, you can get better deals through the internet.

Next thing you need to buy is a battery box which will get you a safe place to charge up your batteries. Then after that, you need to buy DC input model. This will help you to produce power.

Generally, you should go for the triple input model as it can produce adequate power for your benefit. But this is not all. There are several other things you need to keep in mind.

Like if you are planning to run AC appliances, you will need to buy an inverter to convert the DC power into AC. This is done by searching any online stores that will help you to find one for less money.

Now when you connect this, the electronic appliances like television that runs on AC will function on solar panels.

After you do all this, you will require closing the lid of the battery box and for this you can use a bungee cord. This is how you can build your own solar generator. Now place the panel in the sun for about five to eight hours and your batteries will be charged up.

Then you can use them to charge your electrical appliances like fans and radios.

Ricky Lim

I’m looking at writing an Article on people’s experience with Solar Panel companies.
If their experience was good or bad if the workmanship was great or average etc..
Any help would be really appreciated..

Thanks very much

Mits

http://www.build-your-own-solarpanels.com

try instructables.com
there are a lot of revues on them

Solar Photovoltaic cells (Solar PV) are effectively panels that absorb the sun’s light (which is actually made of many tiny units of energy) and convert it via a sophisticated system of silicon wafers into an electrical current that can then be used to power up your home, office or electrical appliances directly. Although not yet highly visible in the UK domestic market, solar PV panels are already very common in calculators and watches (albeit in a much smaller size). The larger solar panels are getting increasingly more efficient and are now used to generate power for private homes, large office buildings and other commercial installations.

Solar Photovoltaic and Planning Issues

One can install solar photovoltaic panels on the roof of their home as well as along one of the outer walls or as standalone units. Before setting off on the installation process, it is essential to check with the local authority regarding planning restrictions. Most local authorities in England allow solar PV panels to be installed on residential roofs and as standalone cells as long as certain criteria are met (mainly that the panels are not attached onto listed buildings or within conservation zones). Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, however, are still working out their local legislation. For residents of these areas it is therefore advisable to consult the local planning authorities before installing the solar systems.

Why Use Solar Photovoltaics?

There are several good reasons to use solar PV cells. One important benefit is the money saved on electrical bills. Another important benefit is the reduction in carbon emissions thanks to using clean energy. Solar photovoltaic cells cut around 1.2 tonnes of carbon dioxide emissions every year. Since the user generates the electricity directly from the sun, they are not dependent on the national grid, making them less prone to power cuts. Although solar power is effective in its own right, solar panels are highly appropriate for remote locations where the grid has no coverage (such as remote farms or research facilities).

How is Solar Photovoltaic Cell Installed?

The best way to install solar photovoltaic panels is to hire a professional installation crew. Professional solar PV cell installers should be certified by the Low Carbon Buildings Programme. It is important to note that there are good reasons one should not attempt to do the installation as a DIY project. Solar PV cells tend to be very heavy and, for roof installations, involve a support system that must be constructed and attached before any solar photovoltaic cell can be mounted. The installer will know the local electrical codes and safety regulations and will make sure that the solar photovoltaic grid or standalone units are code compliant.

With the increasing public awareness to global warming and climate change, there is substantially more focus placed on finding energy generation options that are not reliant upon fossil fuels. Of the alternative energy options currently available (wave, wind, hydrogen, solar, nuclear), solar power is considered to be the most cost effective and with solar panels dropping in price due to competition, this technology is likely to become ever more popular.

Tal Potishman
http://www.articlesbase.com/bath-showers-articles/suns-energy-sustainable-fuel-for-pv-solar-panels-626260.html

1. INTRODUCTION: FUTURE ENERGY NEEDS

Mankind has recently enhanced its living standard and its population in an explosive way. In fact, the human population quadrupled and primary power consumption increased 16-fold during the 20th century [1]. The consumption of energy, food, and material resources is predicted to increase 2.5 fold in the coming 50 years. As a result of our efforts for better life, we have come to face, in this 21st century, serious global issues threatening our safe life or even our existence itself on our mother planet earth. These are issues such as global warming, environmental degradation, declining nutrition on land and sea from rising CO2, and rapid decrease of fossil reservoir. Since the living standard and the population of developing countries are increasing continuously, the demand of energy will be several times larger than that of today’s requirement by the time of the half way of this century.

In 2000, the world had 6.1 billion human inhabitants. This number could rise to more

than 9 billions in the next 50 years as shown in Fig.-1. This future population increase is mostly due to very rapid increase in less developed countries although the number in more developed countries will be almost constant (about 1 billion) or rather decrease [2].

Fig.-1 World Population Prospects [2]

The explosive increase in the human population inevitably requires an exponential increase in the consumption of energy, food, and material resources. One primary power source at present comes from fossil fuels such as oil, coal and natural gas. However, the fossil fuels have two serious factors which prevent them from being used for a long term as primary power source. One is their limited amount that does not last long if used with the same or higher pace than that of today (Fig.-2). The other is their negative feature of emitting carbon dioxide, one of the green house gases, which causes the global warming.

Fig.- 2 Pattern of Global Energy Dependence [3]

Fig.-3 Atmospheric carbon dioxide monthly mean mixing ratios. Data prior to May 1974 are from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography (SIO, blue), date since May 1974 are from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA, red). A long term trend curve is fitted to the monthly mean values [4]

Atmospheric CO2 has increased from 275 parts per million (ppm) before the industrial era begun to 379 ppm in March 2004 as shown in Fig.-3. Some scientists suggest that it will pass 550 ppm this century. Climate models and paleoclimate data indicate that 550 ppm, if sustained, could eventually produce global warming comparable in magnitude but opposite in sign to the global cooling of the last Ice Age [5].

Global energy demand continues to grow along with worldwide concerns over fossil fuel pollution, the safety of nuclear power and waste, and the impact of carbon-burning fuels on global warming. As a result sustainable energy sources like solar, wind, hydropower, biomass, geothermal, hydrogen, ocean thermal, tidal power etc are drawing prime attention, out of which solar power is the most promising one. Terrestrial solar power has too many limitations like atmospheric attenuation, daily and seasonal variation, and affects by climate conditions etc. To overcome these limitations concept of Solar Power from Space is getting momentum, which was first proposed by Czech-American engineer Peter Glaser as a solution to the oil crises of the 1970s [6]. Solar Power from Space is a proposed concept to place a gigantic solar power station in space orbiting around the earth that uses microwave power transmission to beam solar power to a very large antenna on earth where it can be used in place of conventional power sources.

2. SPACE SOLAR POWER (SSP) vs TERRESTRIAL SOLAR POWER (TSP)                   

The SSP concept arose because space has several major advantages over earth for the collection of solar power. Space is free from day-night cycle, atmosphere, clouds, dust, rain, fog and other climatic changes, so it would receive 30% more intense and at least eight times more sunlight than that of at ground constantly and continuously unaffected by the weather. In geosynchronous orbit it would receive sunlight almost 24 hours a day hence avoiding the expensive storage facilities necessary for earth-based solar power systems.  Since earth’s axis is tilted, it would be in earth’s shadow only for 70 minutes maximum at late night when power demands are at their lowest, during 42 days near the equinoxes [7] as shown in Fig.-5.

Fig.-5 Daily duration of eclipses as a function of the date [7]

3. SSP: SYSTEM DESIGN AND TECHNOLOGIES

The SSP system is composed of a space segment and a ground power receiving site (Fig.-6). Space segment consists of mainly three parts; solar energy collector to convert the solar energy into DC (Direct Current) electricity, DC-to-microwave converter, and large antenna array to beam down the microwave power to the ground. Ground power receiving site uses a device called rectenna (rectifying antenna) to receive and rectify the microwave power beam. The rectenna system converts the microwave power back to DC power which is then converted to conventional AC (Alternating Current), and is connected to existing electric power networks.

Assuming typical values for efficiencies like 15% for solar panels to convert solar energy into DC, 70% conversion rate in the space segment from DC to microwave, 90% beam (power) collection efficiency, and 80% conversion rate for rectenna from microwave to DC in ground segment, the estimated over-all efficiency is approximately 7.5 %. With such efficiency a SSP space segment would be of size of about 50 km2 (5 km x 10 km) to generate 5 GW DC power on earth (Fig.-6).

Fig.-6 : Reference Model: 5 GW GEO based Space Solar Power Station Designed by US Department of Energy (DOE) and NASA in 1979 [8]

3.1 -SOLAR CELL: EFFICIENT STRUCTURES

In the very near future, breakthroughs in nanotechnologies promise significant increase in solar cell efficiencies from current 15% values to over 50% levels. That might decrease required size of space segment by about 3 fold. Author proposes Metal-Metal junction cavity solar cell which theoretically promises to increase solar-electric conversion efficiency many folds.

A cavity of metal m2 (work function W2) with thin polish of metal m1 (work function W1, W1 <W2 , Fig.-7) on inner surface, with a pin hole is kept at the focus of the solar concentrator coinciding the pinhole and focus. Pinhole is covered with transparent glass to protect inner polish of cavity from atmospheric reaction. Such cavity behaves as metal-metal junction solar cell (termed as M-M cavity solar cell) with various features (described below) leading to enhancement of solar-electric conversion efficiency.

·  The major loss in usual structures is the reflection loss (about 30%) but in M-M cavity solar cell once ray enters in cavity, undergoes multiple inner reflecti

s.sankar
http://www.articlesbase.com/cell-phones-articles/energy-compensation-using-solar-power-stations-in-space-685742.html